@mcnichoj: Sony isn't worried about the games bombing -- they paid for timed exclusives. From a sales point of view, Arcane games, critically acclaimed as they may often be, are not blockbusters. Besides, these games are going to be "straight-to-Gamepass" releases.
As far as bugs go...don't release any version of the games until they are in a reasonable state of function?
I'm not saying cancel the PS versions, though I'm not entirely against it. Sony almost certainly would cancel XBox versions if they bought Zenimax. We are all thinking it. PS fans like to swear XBox "has no games"...well, be careful what you wish for.
Regarding breaking or breaching contracts, I am sure Microsoft has done their share in 43 years of operation. Just give the money back. Its not like they will miss it.
Releasing GW: Tokyo and Deathloop on Playstation is one thing, but I don't see why Microsoft would honor the timed-exclusivity deal. Nothing different can be said until the acquisition is complete.
@jinzo9988: I still like Halo gameplay -- Reach is the only MCC game I have completed. My plans to play through from the beginning were derailed early on. Save bugs caused me to redo the beginning of the mission where you sneak to the transport beam at night to gain access to the alien ship (Truth & Reconciliation?). I took a break and never went back.
Games still neglect enemy AI and physics, so I wouldn't say most have caught up. The only thing on consoles with similar gunplay quality is Destiny. Doom Eternal is great and runs excellent, but playing it on console without auto-aim/aim assist (as I always turn those off) is infuriating.
@PrpleTrtleBuBum: Yes. We Halo arrived, it was revolutionary -- definitely for a console game. The graphics, control, gameplay, physics, weapon counterparts & synergy, and smart enemy AI stood out. You could fight your way through a base, pass through door leading to an expanse, and jump into destructible vehicles (with human of alien weaponry and physics). The gameloop is still fantastic.
The Infinite needs to expand on that ingenuity. I am just not sure what is possible with it being also on XBox One.
@videogameninja: One issue Halo has is that it did so many cool things right off the bat. The gunplay had a great balance & feel. If 343 changes much, there will be a large, vocal faction(s) that'll complain. They have to bump up the graphics and effects (one of the few areas were the devs have freedom) to stand out. I'd like to see them do some more set-piece-type events, maybe on a micro-scale, so unique combinations can result in emergent gameplay.
@krazeekhujo05: XBox Live played a huge role in expanding online play on consoles and PC. People take that for granted -- it was the first time online (and perhaps only) was done right on console. DC had a good start and PS2 didn't make it a focus. There are cost that we neglect because 1) we are ignorant of them 2) they are inconvenient to our argument.
PC online is still free and expanding partly because console subscriptions subsidize it. The same companies, for the most part, are releasing multiplatform games. That money from all platforms is going to the EAs, the Ubisofts, FromSoftware, MS, Sony, and yes, CD Project Red.
There is no need to broach the argument for some sort of paid PC service when console revenue funds so much of game operations. Consoles are a trojan horse into your living room; an idiot box dumbed for children and the tech illiterate.
These companies manufacture and sell consoles as a conduit to your (or your parents') wallet. They gain direct path to the people most likely spend money on videogames and related content. Also, the people least likely to seek an alternative.
Making online a paid service justifies building and maintaining the network in the first place. The platform owner would naturally want to control the form and function. Otherwise, it would be every developer on there own, and an inconsistent experience.
@cboye18: It is not about being sheep, it is about the cost you are willing to pay for a hobby. Playing video games is a luxury and online play is just the icing on the cake. The "price hike" seems outrageous by percentage, but not in total dollar amount -- MS simply held the price in check for almost two decades.
NTM, MS has not so subtly hinted at this for 6 months to a year. Unless you've been under a low poly rock, you know that the Game Pass Ultimate upgrade offer has been available for a year it seems, and 12-month XBL passes have been discontinued. If you didn't take the opportunity to convert 3 years of Live at $60/year (easily found for less) then that is on you.
If someone can't afford to play games then maybe they should consider stopping or dialing back? Sixty dollars a year is not much when people will blow $30 at Wendy's. I know multiple people who buy XBL passes in the 1-month and 3-month capacities, being told by me how much a better deal is the annual card is. They are victims of their own questionable logic.
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